The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, GCAA, is cautioning passengers of air transport of possible distortions to their travels due to the harmattan condition.
The Aviation Authority however says it is collaborating with airlines to ensure the safety of all passengers during the period.
“The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) wishes to notify passengers travelling by air of potential challenges to the smooth operations of airlines during the Harmattan season,” portions of a statement read.
It added that, “The Harmattan, a dry and dusty wind which engulfs West Africa from late November until March, tends to intensify during the months of January and February.”
Meanwhile, the regulator says the poor visibility conditions arising from this phenomenon could, in extreme cases, lead to flight delays, diversions and possible cancellations, especially where air-to ground visibility is below GCAA’s or the airlines’ prescribed aerodrome operating minima.
Again, it is expected that the Harmattan effect will be severer at the Kumasi, Tamale and Wa Airports, which are in the Northern Sector of the Accra Flight Information Region (FIR).
As a result, GCAA entreats the travelling public to exercise maximum patience during the Harmattan period, should scheduled flight operations be disrupted.
“As the Regulator of air transport in Ghana, GCAA has accordingly advised airlines and operators to strictly comply with its Directives and the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) pertaining to reduced visibility conditions,” the statement further noted.
Also, the Regulator assures the general public of its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety in the country.